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"Henceforth I need not good fortune; I myself
am good fortune. Henceforth I whimper no more,
postpone no more, need nothing. Done with libraries,
indoor complaints, querulous criticisms -- strong and content,
I travel the open road."

-Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road"

Feeling restless? Tired of tapping the keyboard and cradling the receiver? Been trapped in a concrete jungle amid throngs of whiners and critics? Can you hear the open road calling you? Within your reach are forests, mountain passes, clear streams, and sweet air, all waiting for you to explore. If you're ready to get out for an afternoon, a day or a weekend, we'll help you hit the hiking trails and experience the thrill and challenge of the outdoors for youself. What you'll need:

a friend or two

your feet

an able body

some appropriate gear

and most importantly... an informed and alert mind

CAUTION: A FEW WORDS TO THE WISE

There's much to be said for spontaneity, as the poets would have us believe -- Walt Whitman probably took to the woods without a second thought, "needing nothing" but his own bearded body. But all experienced outdoorspeople know that even Walt would've been stronger, more content, and less likely to whimper had he planned for his remote travels.

In the wilderness, no high-tech equipment will serve you as well as your own knowledge and preparation. Learn the basics, plan ahead, and you'll be ready to tackle some day-hikes. We want to get you started in the outdoors and hope you'll discover a love for hiking that will inspire you to adventure further. If you want to head deeper into the wilderness or attempt a longer expedition, you'll need more thorough information and direct guidance [see Wilderness Classroom for one way to get experience]. Undertaking a big trip on your own without wilderness training is asking for misfortune. Young and strong as you may be, you still need to know strategies for dealing with disaster say, getting caught alone on top of Mt. Washington with a shattered femur in the middle of a lightning storm.

Wilderness search and rescue squads find that most accidents are caused by bad judgement, poor planning and downright stupidity. Most backcountry accident victims are people between 17 and 24 -- and nearly all hiking fatalities are male -- says an instructor at the International Mountain Equipment and Climbing School. These ill-prepared hikers all suffer from what rescue experts call YiPSIe (Young Person's Invincibility Syndrome).

So don't tempt fate. Follow our preparation basics and gear up for a great safe trip.